Israel Built and Defended a Secret Base in Iraq for Iran War, WSJ Reports

Source: US News & World Report/Reuters

May 9, 2026, at 5:13 p.m.


May 9 (Reuters) - Israel set up a ⁠clandestine ⁠military outpost in ⁠the Iraqi desert to support its air campaign ​against Iran and launched airstrikes against Iraqi troops who nearly ‌discovered it, the Wall Street ‌Journal reported on Saturday, citing people familiar with ⁠the matter ⁠including U.S. officials.

Israel built the installation, which housed special ​forces and served as a logistical hub for the Israeli air force, with the knowledge of the U.S. just before the ​start of the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran, the newspaper said. It ⁠also ⁠included search-and-rescue teams positioned ⁠to ​assist any downed Israeli pilots, the Journal said.

Reuters could not independently ​verify the report. ⁠There was no immediate response from the Israeli prime minister's office to a Reuters request for comment.

The base was almost discovered in early March after Iraqi state media ⁠said a local shepherd reported unusual military activity, including helicopter movements ⁠in the area.

Read more: https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2026-05-09/israel-built-and-defended-a-secret-base-in-iraq-for-iran-war-wsj-reports